DVD
REVIEW: SUBMARINE
10/02/11
OVERVIEW:
Anchor Bay Entertainment and The Weinstein Company announced today the Blu-ray™ and DVD release of the enchanting coming-of-age comedy, SUBMARINE, from executive producer Ben Stiller (TROPIC THUNDER) and writer/director Richard Ayoade (the cult British television series “The Mighty Boosh”). Based on the novel by Joe Dunthorne, SUBMARINE stars Noah Taylor (ALMOST FAMOUS), Paddy Considine (THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM), Craig Roberts (JANE EYRE), Yasmin Paige (the British miniseries MURDERLAND), and Golden Globe® winner Sally Hawkins (HAPPY-GO-LUCKY). Featuring an original score by Alex Turner of the English rock band Arctic Monkeys, which will be touring the states this Fall, SUBMARINE heads to retail on October 4, 2011.
SYNOPSIS: In SUBMARINE, young Oliver Tate’s coming-of-age is coming even sooner than expected. At 15, Oliver (Craig Roberts) is prone to daydreaming, listening to French crooners and concocting various self-absorbed fantasies. Suddenly Oliver finds himself submerged in dual, real-life challenges: plotting to lose his virginity with a quirky new girlfriend (Yasmin Paige); and struggling to salvage his parents’ (Golden Globe® winner Sally Hawkins and Noah Taylor) marriage and keep his mom from taking up with the self-help guru next door (Paddy Considine).
FILM REVIEW: What a
quirky movie. That is probably the best way to describe it. Not
surprising is that Ben Stiller is an executive producer for this
odd dramedy. It is awkward and bizarre but refreshing and
different, kind of like young love. A good chunk of it is about
young love between two mid teenagers in Wales, UK. But it is a
lot more than that. The story is simple mind you, but it is well
explored and grounded. It takes you through a range of emotions
as the drama unfolds between family, friends, and relationships.
You will see embarrassment, bullying, love, joy, pain,
determination and frustration all in the name of good
intentions. The dialogue as well as the movie in general is
clever and artistic. The cinematography is also well done as it
brings more life to the story and the characters. However, there
are some moments that seem to drag and you might start looking
at your watch. Clearly this movie isn’t for everyone. If you
are more of a mainstream moviegoer, this one is probably not for
you. If you are a movie aficionado who appreciates the art form,
you will appreciate this one.
“You’ve got to live between the pitfalls” is a lyric I
picked up from one of the songs in the soundtrack for this film
and it is one of the lessons of this story. Pitfalls will come
in everybody’s life, they are inevitable. The key is to live
life to the fullest in between them. Craig Roberts who plays
Oliver Tate, the main character, really shines with this role
and is the persona through which we learn this lesson. He did a
wonderful job and carried the movie well for such a young man.
The object of his affection is Jordana Bevan, played by Yasmin
Paige. When you’re in love you tend to have eyes only for that
person. That fact was materialized via a strong red coat that
Jordana would constantly wear. It stuck out like a sore thumb.
It was the most colorful object in the entire movie and it made
total sense. She also gave a solid performance. Their
relationship was quirky at best and yet still deep and
meaningful. It was interesting to watch. The other major
conflict in the movie is the love triangle situation between
Oliver’s parents and his mother’s old friend who just became
a neighbor. Noah Taylor and Sally Hawkins play the parents,
Lloyd and Jill, and they really looked the part. So did Paddy
Considine as Graham who represents the opened can of worms. All
in all, the actors’ performances really made the movie
worthwhile as well as a quality directing job by Richard Ayoade.
Film
Review By Cine Marcos
cinemarcos@smartcine.com
VIDEO:
1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen
AUDIO:
English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Surround
Subtitles - English Spanish- Optional
SPECIAL FEATURES:
Director Commentary Track
Tracking the Story: Submarine Script Development
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